Guest:  Chaunci Hinton and Juliet Filosofos

Topic:  NY Connects' Supply Bags

Duration:  5:45

Published:  July 6, 2021

Host:  Welcome to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL). Our guests today are Chaunci Hinton, Director of Independent Living Services (ILS), and Juliet Filosofos, NY Connects Independent Living and Outreach Specialist with ILS both at WNYIL. Welcome to the program ladies.

Guest:  Thank you for having us.

Guest:  It's our pleasure. Chaunci’s being here is an exciting development, because she has just taken over this department. After a lengthy search to find someone to head up that staff, and we're very excited to have her. First to give people some information, could you tell us what came before you're taking this position Chaunci?

Guest:  Right before I took this position, I was working with Suburban Adult Services (SAS), and I had been working with them for three years, as a Supported Housing Coordinator, Supported Employment Coordinator as well and I oversaw programs in Orchard Park, Elma, Angola, and Sardinia.

Host:  Although we don't have time for you to give complete descriptions of all the services provided by ILS, if you could please at least sketch out the major areas that you serve people with disability.

Guest:  In terms of this position, we do independent living services which is kind of an information referral line but it goes so much further than that. So we really work with individuals and consumers that call in to assist them, and whatever they're experiencing problems with whether that be housing, benefits, some insurance, social services, mental health counseling, you know what we really pretty much run the gamut in terms of variety of services that we can offer them, and if our particular department, can't offer that we have many other services and programs that are offered throughout our agency.

Host:  What I was going say, what unites all these services is that you're helping people with any kind of disability to take control of their own lives so that they can live more independently and call their own shots which is of course the independent living philosophy. And now Juliet you're here because you have a particular outreach to discuss. What is exciting that you can tell us today?

Guest:  Okay, so our program New York Connects we got some grant money, with COVID. And what we did with that money is we started making these supply bags that we're giving out to people that meet the eligibility requirements, free of charge. Those eligibility requirements are you just have to live below the poverty threshold, so for a household of one that would be $1,063 a month. These bags have toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, hand soap, hand sanitizer and just candy in there. And then we also have gift cards, got to have some food in there. And then we also have gift cards that are from Tops, Dollar General, Walmart and Aldis. So people can call in and they can just run through get some demographic info, and then they can either come pick up at the agency or our transportation service Independence Express can also deliver to their home.

Host:  Okay, Chaunci, you said that you had some things that you're looking forward to doing at the agency?

Guest:  Yes, you know what I'm just looking forward to getting the word out there so definitely more out reach opportunities, as well as more opportunities for consumers and individuals to come to us for services, and you know what just various items and products that we have.

Host:  If people would like to inquire how can they reach you?

Guest:  Okay, they can give us a call at 716-836-0822, or they can email the Independent Living Center of Western New York and go through our intake department, or our reception department will transfer, either to myself or Chaunci Hinton, or one of our iOS specialists.

Host: Thanks so much for being with us. You've been listening to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of WNYIL. Our guests today were Chauncey Hinton, Director and Juliet Filosofos, NY Connects Independent Living and Outreach Specialists at the ILS of WNYIL, I'm your host Ernie Churchwell and have a good week.